Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla against Gram-Positive Oral Biofilm-Formers from School Children in Southwestern Nigeria and Toxicity Studies Using Brine Shrimps

The world will benefit from more effective antimicrobial agents against oral conditions arising from the actions of biofilm forming bacteria. Also, information is lacking on the oral biofilm-forming bacterial diversity in Southwestern Nigeria. In this study, we isolate and characterize oral biofilm producing bacteria in the oral cavities of schoolchildren in Southwestern Nigeria. We also investigate the antimicrobial properties of Macrosphyra longistyla extracts against the biofilm-formers and the toxicity of potent extracts. Samples were obtained from 109 schoolchildren aged 4 - 14 years from Lagos, Oyo and Osun States. Agar well diffusion technique was used in the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Toxicity testing was done using brine shrimps (Artemia salina). Biofilm-formers in this study are Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Micrococcus sp. Ethanol leaf extracts had the highest activity against all biofilm-producing bacteria. Ethanol stem bark extract, which elicited activity against Klebsiella only, was found to be less toxic than the ethanol leaf extract. Staphylococcus showed >10 mm susceptibility to the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla. Streptococcus and Micrococcus were susceptible to the antimicrobial actions of the ethanolic leaf extracts. Although the ethanol extracts of the leaves had lower minimum inhibitory concentrations than the ethanol extracts of the stem bark, toxicity studies showed ethanol extracts of the stem-bark to be more toxic than the ethanol extracts of the leaves. In conclusion, ethanolic extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla show potential as sources of antimicrobials against gram-positive, oral biofilm-forming bacteria.

Levisticum officinale extract protects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity through anti-inflammatory,anti-fibrotic,and antioxidant properties in rats

Objective:To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Levisticum officinale extract on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.Methods:Different doses of Levisticum officinale extract were given orally to rats for 10 days,then rats received a single dose of CCl4(2.5 mL/kg,50%v/v in liquid paraffin).Biochemical and histopathological assays were performed to assess the effects of the extract on liver function and architecture.Moreover,antioxidant and oxidative markers as well as inflammatory and fibrotic indicators were measured.Results:Pretreatment with Levisticum officinale extract significantly mitigated CCl4-induced damage to liver structure,improved serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,urea,total bilirubin,and total protein,enhanced glutathione content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver,as well as decreased plasma and hepatic malondialdehyde levels.Immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the extract reduced Ki-67 andα-SMA expression and Masson’s trichrome staining revealed decreased liver collagen in rats treated with Levisticum officinale extract.Moreover,Levisticum officinale extract markedly decreased the gene expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,TGF-β1,MCP-1,and COX-2.Conclusions:Levisticum officinale extract exerts hepatoprotective effects on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-fibrotic activities.

Implementation of a New Solution for the Preservation of Anatomical Specimens Made of Non-Toxic Substances

The preservation of anatomical pieces in Veterinary Anatomy is essential since it is not possible to dissect all domestic species. Most techniques use reagents with high levels of toxicity such as formaldehyde. The objective of this work was to develop a new preservation technique that uses reagents with zero toxicity and that allows obtaining preserved pieces suitable for anatomical studies. The alcohol propylene glycol technique was developed, the method of which uses a fixation step with alcohol, sodium chloride, commercial vinegar and subsequently the impregnation of the preservation solution made from propylene glycol and commercial vinegar, which are non-toxic. As a result of this work, adequately preserved sheep hearts were obtained that preserved their morphology with slight changes in size and weight, which did not affect their external and internal anatomical structure. Its coloration was not substantially affected, remaining a little lighter. The pieces obtained showed flexibility which allowed dissections to be carried out. The time to develop the technique was 20 days. A comparative study was carried out with the phenolated glycerin technique that uses toxic reagents (formaldehyde and phenol) and the pieces obtained with the alcohol propylene glycol technique were of better quality, observing that the pieces with phenolated glycerin tend to darken and are more rigid. And the time to develop the technique is 24 days. In conclusion, a preservation technique for anatomical pieces was developed that allowed the preservation of the organs under study, which allow their use for anatomical studies, and which have been preserved without changes until the time of this publication (8 months) and there are pieces preserved with this technique for 2 years.

Nitrosamines crisis in pharmaceuticals-Insights on toxicological implications,root causes and risk assessment:A systematic review

The presence of N-nitroso compounds,particularly N-nitrosamines,in pharmaceutical products has raised global safety concerns due to their significant genotoxic and mutagenic effects.This systematic review investigates their toxicity in active pharmaceutical ingredients(APIs),drug products,and pharmaceutical excipients,along with novel analytical strategies for detection,root cause analysis,reformulation strategies,and regulatory guidelines for nitrosamines.This review emphasizes the molecular toxicity of N-nitroso compounds,focusing on genotoxic,mutagenic,carcinogenic,and other physiological effects.Additionally,it addresses the ongoing nitrosamine crisis,the development of nitrosamine-free products,and the importance of sensitive detection methods and precise risk evaluation.This comprehensive overview will aid molecular biologists,analytical scientists,formulation scientists in research and development sector,and researchers involved in management of nitrosamine-induced toxicity and promoting safer pharmaceutical products.

The value of toxicological analysis in acute poisoning patients with uncertain exposure histories:a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,some patients might not be able or unwilling to provide a thorough history of medication and poison exposure.The aim of this study was to use toxicological analysis to examine the clinical characteristics of patients with acute poisoning whose exposure history was uncertain from a toxicological analysis perspective.METHODS:This was a retrospective and descriptive study from an institute of poisoning.Patient registration information and test reports spanning the period from April 1,2020 to March 31,2022,were obtained.Patients with uncertain exposure histories and who underwent toxicological analysis were included.Clinical manifestations and categories of toxics were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 195 patients with positive toxicological analysis results,the main causes of uncertain exposure history was disturbance of consciousness(62.6%),unawareness(23.6%)and unwillingness or lack of cooperation(13.8%).The predominant clinical manifestations were disturbed consciousness(62.6%),followed by vomiting and nausea(14.4%)and liver function abnormalities(8.7%).A comparison of clinical manifestations between patients with positive and negative(n=99)toxicological analyses results revealed significantly different proportions of disturbances in consciousness(63%vs.21%),dizziness(1.5%vs.5.1%),multi-organ failure(1.5%vs.7.1%),and local pain(0 vs 4%).The main categories of substances involved were psychiatric medications(23.1%),sedatives(20.5%),insecticides(13.8%),and herbicides(12.8%).CONCLUSION:The clinical manifestations of acute poisoning in patients with an uncertain exposure history are diverse and nonspecific,and toxicological analysis plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of such patients.

Toxicological Study of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of a Recipe of Three Plants Used in Traditional Togolese Medicine

This work consisted of assessing the toxicity of a recipe of three plants used in traditional Togolese medicine. Acute and sub-acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD chemical test guidelines n˚423 dated December 17, 2001 and n˚407 dated October 3, 2008 respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. No significant toxicity was observed after 14 and 28 days, although a dose-dependent decrease in creatinemia was observed in male rats (the recipe to be used to moderate creatinine levels). Cytotoxicity was without effect on NCM 365 cells. The results obtained justify the use of the recipe in traditional medicine.

Toxicity Evaluation of Different Exposure Scenarios of Road Dust Using Daphnia magna and Artemia salina as Aquatic Organisms, and Prosopis cineraria and Vachellia tortilis as Native Plant Species

Particulate matter (PM10) deposited as road dust is considered an important source of contamination from atmosphere. However, there are limited studies on the toxicity of road dust as such on different organisms. This study evaluates the toxicity of road dust using different extraction scenarios on Daphnia magna and Artemia salina as aquatic organisms and also on Prosopis cineraria and Vachellia tortilis as local plant species. Chemical analysis of different extracts shows considerable amount of trace metals, however the trace metals in the dust extract associated with suspended sediment were not absorbed by the receptors. On the other hand, the concentration of trace metals in the artificial mixture was found bioavailable and absorbed causing a high percentage of mortality. In the plant assay, significant difference was obtained in the germination percentage between the control and three different extraction exposures in both plant species. The mean root length of P. cineraria and V. tortilis were higher in 20% and 50% extracts than the control probably due to the availability of nutrients from the dust extract. Interestingly however, the seedling vigor index was the opposite with higher index in the control and lower in dust extracts that contain heavy metals.

Determination of the Mineral Composition of the Pulp and Evaluation of the Acute Toxicity of the Seeds of Carica papaya L. Consumed in Lubumbashi and Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

This work aimed, on the one hand, to determine the mineral and phytochemical composition of Carica papaya in order to guarantee the food safety of consumers and on the other hand, to evaluate the acute toxicity of papaya seeds. The papayas were bought at the Mzée market in Lubumbashi and Selembao in Kinshasa. Fruit sampling was done according to the ISO 7002 standard on agricultural and food products;the papayas were firm, mature, and without stains or physical damage. The analysis results of the papaya pulp showed both for the samples from the city of Lubumbashi and for the city province of Kinshasa that it contains respectively 85.87% and 84.46% water, 0.59% and 0.53% ash content. The mineral evaluation of our two samples presented a potassium content of 200 ± 8 mg, magnesium 13.12 ± 3 mg, calcium 22.15 ± 2 mg, sodium 3 mg ± 0.5 for the sample from Lubumbashi and 192.32 ± 8 mg of potassium, 14.458 ± 3 mg of magnesium, 20.58 ± 2 mg of calcium and 3.58 ± 0.5 mg of sodium for the sample from Kinshasa in macroelements. Concerning the trace elements, after analysis, we found zinc content (0.29 ± 0.1 mg and 0.12 ± 0.1 mg), copper (0.02 ± 0.01 mg and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg), and iron (2.22 ± 0.5 mg and 2.04 ± 0.5 mg) respectively for Lubumbashi and Kinshasa. The chemical screening indicates the presence of alkaloids, saponosides, tannins catechics, flavonoids and anthocyanins in the palm wine and ethanolic extract of the seeds of Carica papaya and an absence of cyanogenic glycosides and gallic tannins. With mild toxicity, the seeds of the fruit of Carica papaya L. can be used with moderate risk by the population.

Evidence-Based Nursing Practice of Reducing Immune-Related Skin Toxicity of Tumor Patients Guided by Sensitive Indicators

Purpose research on nursing sensitive indicators in tumor Patients application effect in immune-related skin toxicity management. Method select our hospital April to June, 202360 cases patients with immune therapy settings as the control group. August-October, 2023 60 cases the patients treated with immune therapy were the experimental group. The control group adopted regular nursing methods, while the experimental group sensitive Indicators, evidence-based give preventive care. The social situation, psychological state, physical function, quality of life score, incidence of skin toxicity caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors, moderate and above of the two groups of patients were compared. Incidence of skin toxicity. Result: experience group SAS score, SDS score higher than the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05);The incidence of skin toxic reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors and the incidence of moderate and above skin toxic reactions in the experimental group are lower than those in the control group, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: sensitive indicator guidance evidence-based preventive care can reduce the degree of immune-related skin toxicity, improve the psychological state and quality of life of tumor patients treated with immune therapy and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, improve nursing quality and patient satisfaction.

Development and Application of Procedures for the Management of Skin Toxicity Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Lung Cancer

Objective: To establish the procedures for the management of skin toxicity related to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with lung cancer and explore the effect of application. Methods: A total of 24 evidence-based evidences were collected from 7 aspects, including risk factors, baseline screening, ICIs monitoring, daily skin care, multidisciplinary management, symptom management and health education. A total of 157 lung cancer patients and 94 nurses from 8 wards of the Oncology department of our hospital from November 2022 to May 2023 were selected by convenience sampling. A total of 77 patients and 46 nurses from ward 1 - 4 were divided into the baseline group. There were 80 patients and 48 nurses in Ward 5 - 8 as the evidence-based practice group. In the baseline group, patients were treated with routine methods such as assessing skin symptoms, taking medication according to symptoms, guiding to keep skin clean and moist, eating a light diet, and avoiding scratching. The evidence-based practice group adopts an evidence-based continuous improvement model for nursing. The differences in the severity of symptoms of skin toxicity in the second cycle of medication and the knowledge and practice of self-care of skin toxicity were compared between the two groups before and after the use of the syndrome, as well as the differences in the implementation rate of review indicators, evidence-based ability and knowledge and practice of skin toxicity care before and after the use of the syndrome. Results: The incidence and severity of cutaneous toxicity were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (P P < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related skin toxicity management procedures can effectively reduce the incidence and severity of skin toxicity symptoms, optimize the clinical pathway, and improve the quality of care.

Food nutrition and toxicology targeting on specific organs in the era of single-cell sequencing

Due to the complex natures of dietary food components,it is difficult to elucidate how the compounds affect host health.Dietary food often selectively presents its mechanism of action on different cell types,and participates in the modulation of targeted cells and their microenvironments within organs.However,the limitations of traditional in vitro assays or in vivo animal experiments cannot comprehensively examine cellular heterogeneity and the tissue-biased influences.Single-cell RNA sequencing(sc RNA-seq)has emerged as an indispensable methodology to decompose tissues into different cell types for the demonstration of transcriptional profiles of individual cells.Sc RNA-seq applications has been summarized on three typical organs(brain,liver,kidney),and two representative immune-and tumor related health problems.The everincreasing role of sc RNA-seq in dietary food research with further improvement can provide sub-cellular information and the coupling between other cellular modalities.In this review,we propose utilizing sc RNAseq to more effectively capture the subtle and complex effects of food chemicals,and how they may lead to health problems at single-cell resolution.This novel technique will be valuable to elucidate the underlying mechanism of both the health benefits of food nutrients and the detrimental consequences food toxicants at the cellular level.

Design of AI-Enhanced and Hardware-Supported Multimodal E-Skin for Environmental Object Recognition and Wireless Toxic Gas Alarm

Post-earthquake rescue missions are full of challenges due to the unstable structure of ruins and successive aftershocks.Most of the current rescue robots lack the ability to interact with environments,leading to low rescue efficiency.The multimodal electronic skin(e-skin)proposed not only reproduces the pressure,temperature,and humidity sensing capabilities of natural skin but also develops sensing functions beyond it—perceiving object proximity and NO2 gas.Its multilayer stacked structure based on Ecoflex and organohydrogel endows the e-skin with mechanical properties similar to natural skin.Rescue robots integrated with multimodal e-skin and artificial intelligence(AI)algorithms show strong environmental perception capabilities and can accurately distinguish objects and identify human limbs through grasping,laying the foundation for automated post-earthquake rescue.Besides,the combination of e-skin and NO2 wireless alarm circuits allows robots to sense toxic gases in the environment in real time,thereby adopting appropriate measures to protect trapped people from the toxic environment.Multimodal e-skin powered by AI algorithms and hardware circuits exhibits powerful environmental perception and information processing capabilities,which,as an interface for interaction with the physical world,dramatically expands intelligent robots’application scenarios.

The Toxic Effects of Strong Chlorin Disinfectant on Mangroves and Emission Thresholds

In this study, based on the simulated discharge results of chemical disinfectants, hypocotyl germination concentration gradient pre-test and concentration gradient determination experiment were set up respectively. Laboratory cultivation was conducted to compare and analyze the root germination and germination indexes, three mangrove hypocotyls of Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce, Ceriopstagal C.B. Rob. and Bruguiera sexangula var. Rhynchopetalas’ efficiency of cumulative root germination, cumulative germination and the cumulative expansion of the second pair of leaves, one-way analysis of variance was used to obtain the tolerance threshold of three mangrove hypocotyls to strong chlorin disinfectant. The study determined that the by-products of strong chlorin disinfectant, the toxic threshold concentrations of Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce, Ceriopstagal C.B. Rob. and Bruguiera sexangula var. rhynchopetala are close to 0.55 mg/L, 0.55 mg/L and 0.25 mg/L, respectively. This concentration range is lower than the average concentration of 1.183 mg/L of active chlorine emitted from strong chlorine concentrate during pond clearing in high-level shrimp ponds, indicating that transient emissions of strong chlorine concentrate during pond clearing can have a toxic effect on mangrove plants. The strength of tolerance of the embryonic axes of the three mangrove species to effective chlorine contamination was, Ceriopstagal C.B. Rob. stronger than Bruguiera sexangula var. rhynchopetala, and Kandelia candel (Linn.) Druce is the weakest.

Skin Toxicity of Wufang Babu Ointment to Zebrafish

[Objectives]Using wild-type AB strain of zebrafish as experimental animal,this study investigated the damaging effect of Wufang Babu Ointment on skin cells,in order to evaluate the skin toxicity of Wufang Babu Ointment.[Methods]Wild-type AB strain of zebrafish with an age of 2 d were taken and fed in different concentrations of Wufang Babu Ointment solution for 24 h.The number of deaths in each group of zebrafish was recorded,and the mortality rate was calculated.Using Origin 8.0 software,the maximum non lethal concentration(MNLC)was simulated.Zebrafish raised in different concentrations of Wufang Babu Ointment solution for 24 h were placed under an anatomical microscope for taking photos,to analyze and calculate the incidence of skin damage in zebrafish.Based on the statistical analysis results of this indicator,the skin toxicity of Wufang Babu Ointment was evaluated.[Results]The MNLC of Wufang Babu Ointment on zebrafish was 671μg/mL;Wufang Babu Ointment can induce skin damage at the concentrations of 224μg/mL(1/3 MNLC)and 671μg/mL(MNLC).[Conclusions]Wufang Babu Ointment had certain skin toxicity to zebrafish.

A therapeutic potentiality and toxicity concern of nutrient plant Annona squamosa Linn.

Annona squamosa Linn.fruit is famous for its nutritional value with a long history of medicinal benefits due to the presence of many phytochemicals,including alkaloids,diterpenes,essential oil,phytopeptides,etc.Several studies envisaged that Annona squamosa possesses cytotoxic,diuretic,antiurolithiatic,antitumor,anti-psoriatic,antioxidant,and hepatoprotective properties.This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of wound infection,dysentery,seizure,tumors,fever,vomiting,parasitic infections,hypertension,thyroid,toothache,acne,heart disease,inflammation,diabetes,hair loss,dandruff,hemorrhage,maggot-infected sores,abortifacient,and cough.However,some chemical constituents isolated from the plant have shown specific toxic effects in human and animal models,such as acute oral toxic effects,genotoxic,neurotoxic,and ocular toxic.The plant has diverse pharmacological actions,the seeds of this plant possess a genotoxic effect but on the contrary,the bark of the plant shows genoprotective activity.A large number of ethnobotanical studies reported the seed of this plant is used to induce abortion in humans,but a scientific study carried out in pregnant rats reported aqueous seed extract of the plant did not interfere with reproductive performance.The presented review summarized the traditional uses,pharmacological,and toxicological activities of the isolated compounds from this plant.Additionally,some patents and commercial products related to Annona squamosa are also brought up in this article to explore its application which would attract the scientific community to search out its hidden side.

Efficacy of borneol-gypsum in skin regeneration and pain control in toxic epidermal necrolysis:A case report

BACKGROUND Toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN)is a life-threatening dermatological emergency mainly induced by drug hypersensitivity reactions.Standard management includes discontinuation of culprit drug and application of immunomodulatory therapy.However,mortality remains high due to complications like septic shock and multiorgan failures.Innovative approaches for skin care are crucial.This report introduces borneol-gypsum,a traditional Chinese drug but a novel dressing serving as an adjuvant of TEN therapy,might significantly improve skin conditions and patient outcomes in TEN.CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old woman diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis experienced gangrenous complications and motor nerve involvement.After initial treatment of high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide,symptom of foot drop improved,absolute eosinophil counts decreased,while limb pain sustained.Duloxetine was added to alleviate her symptom.Subsequently,TEN developed.Additional topical application of borneol-gypsum dressing not only protected the skin lesions from infection but also significantly eased localized pain.This approach demonstrated its merit in TEN management by promoting skin healing and potentially reducing infection risks.CONCLUSION Borneol-gypsum dressing is a promising adjuvant that could significantly improve TEN management,skin regeneration,and patient comfort.

5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeling:historical perspectives,factors infiuencing the detection,toxicity,and its implications in the neurogenesis

The halopyrimidine 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine(BrdU)is an exogenous marker of DNA synthesis.Since the introduction of monoclonal antibodies against BrdU,an increasing number of methodologies have been used for the immunodetection of this synthesized bromine-tagged base analogue into replicating DNA.BrdU labeling is widely used for identifying neuron precursors and following their fate during the embryonic,perinatal,and adult neurogenesis in a variety of vertebrate species including birds,reptiles,and mammals.Due to BrdU toxicity,its incorporation into replicating DNA presents adverse consequences on the generation,survival,and settled patterns of cells.This may lead to false results and misinterpretation in the identification of proliferative neuroblasts.In this review,I will indicate the detrimental effects of this nucleoside during the development of the central nervous system,as well as the reliability of BrdU labeling to detect proliferating neuroblasts.Moreover,it will show factors influencing BrdU immunodetection and the contribution of this nucleoside to the study of prenatal,perinatal,and adult neurogenesis.Human adult neurogenesis will also be discussed.It is my hope that this review serves as a reference for those researchers who focused on detecting cells that are in the synthetic phase of the cell cycle.

Double plasma molecular adsorption system for Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis:A case report

BACKGROUND Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis(SJS/TEN)are very serious skin allergies,with an etiology related to infections and medication.Since the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has also been considered to cause SJS/TEN.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a woman in her thirties who took acetaminophen after contracting COVID-19.After 3 d of fever relief,she experienced high fever and presented with SJS/TEN symptoms,accompanied by intrahepatic cholestasis.Three days of corticosteroid treatment did not alleviate the skin damage;therefore,double plasma molecular adsorption system(DPMAS)therapy was initiated,with treatment intervals of 48 h.Her skin symptoms improved gradually and were resolved after seven DPMAS treatments.CONCLUSION DPMAS therapy is beneficial for abrogating SJS/TEN because plasma adsorption and perfusion techniques reduce the inflammatory mediators(e.g.,tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 and-12)speculated to be involved in the pathology of the skin conditions.

Changes in acute and late toxicity and patient-reported health-related quality of life following radiotherapy in women with breast cancer:A 1-year longitudinal study

Objective:The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of acute and late toxicities,as well as changes in the quality of life(QOL)for breast cancer patients following radiotherapy(RT).Materials and Methods:A total of 108 breast cancer women were recruited for this prospective study.Data were collected at various intervals;prior to,and 1,3,6 months,and 1 year after radiation therapy.The primary outcomes were toxicity radiation therapy oncology group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer(EORTC)criteria.Our secondary outcome was QOL,measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale.We employed Friedman’s two-way analysis to evaluate the changes in QOL over the course of 1 year.Results:The early toxicities that are most commonly experienced include pharyngeal,skin,and mucous membrane toxicity.Late toxicities frequently involve skin and submucosal toxicity.To measure patient functionality,all functional subscale scores except for the patient’s emotional state increased over time compared to pre-RT.Symptoms of the patients,which were included in the QOL symptom scale,decreased during the follow-up period,except for fatigue;however,changes in pain,insomnia,and loss of appetite did not significantly change.We identified the analogous symptom profiles in Edmonton.Although patients’overall health scores declined in the 1st and 3rd months after radiotherapy(RT),they rebounded at 6 and 12 months.Conclusion:For breast cancer patients,RT did not adversely affect functional capacity or exacerbate symptoms,but persistent fatigue did increase during the observation period.Health-care professionals ought to devise strategies to assist patients with skin toxicity and fatigue.

Eco-toxicity and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of Burullus Lake in Egypt

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs)are ubiquitous environmental contaminants of growing concern due to their potential ecological and human health risks.This study presents a comprehensive assessment of PAHs contamination in the surface sediments of Burullus Lake,a vital and second largest delta lake in Egypt.The aim was to evaluate the eco-toxicity and potential health risks associated with the presence of these compounds.Surface seven sediment samples were collected from various drains in the southern part of Burullus Lake.Soxhlet extraction method was employed to extract PAHs(16PAHs)from the sediment sample.Analytically,target compounds were located using HPLC.The results showed that samples contained PAHs levels ranging from 0.038×10^(-6)to 0.459×10^(-6),which is considered heavily polluted by the European standard for PAHs pollution.Additionally,there was no apparent source of PAHs in the ElKhashah drain or the Brinbal Canal,as HPLC found none of the compounds.The most prevalent compound in sediment samples along the study area was fluoranthene.The diagnostic indices in the present study indicated that the hydrocarbons in the region originated from pyrolytic and man-made sources along the drains of Burullus Lake.The principal component analysis(PCA)and diagnostic ratios revealed that coal combustion and pyrolytic sources were responsible for the PAHs contamination in the surface sediments.The non-carcinogenic risk(HI),which is the product of the HQs for the adult and child populations,respectively,was calculated.HI values under 1,therefore,demonstrated that they had no carcinogenic effects on human health.TEQs and MEQs in the sediments of Burullus Lake do not have a cancer-causing impact on people.For the safety of nearby wildlife,aquatic life,and people,all activities that raise petroleum hydrocarbon levels in Burullus Lake must be adequately regulated and controlled.According to the ecological risk assessment,there is little chance that PAHs will be found in the sediments of Burullus Lake.This study underscores the urgent need for effective pollution control measures and regular monitoring of PAHs levels in Burullus Lake sediments to protect the aquatic ecosystem and public health.It also highlights the importance of considering eco-toxicity and human health risks in integrated risk assessments of PAHs-contaminated environments.